Work With Us

Hourly Rate

$15.00

Hours

Flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.

Duties

Provide exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Greet all guests in line of sight with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness.
• Sell merchandise, answer questions about the merchandise, maintain a clean and organized sales floor, and restock and process merchandise.
• Receive payment by cash, credit cards, or vouchers. Issue receipts, refunds, or change due to guests.
• Assist guests in a friendly and positive manner by using your knowledge of Aquarium offerings, prices, membership, directions, and general information.
• Become familiar with the Aquarium's story – history, accomplishments, and future goals.
• Go beyond what is expected – deliver personal experiences that inspire, delight, and engage.
• Project a professional image while in uniform.

Requirements

• Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.
• This is a position that requires the applicant to stand for long periods of time, it is not a seated position.

Preferences

• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Completion of at least two years of high school.
• Enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoy working with people.
• Cash handling experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to Apply

Send a resume via email to TOCarrol@vbgov.com .

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Services Division is now accepting applications for a Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern. The application deadline is open until a candidate has been selected. Interns are expected to complete 160 hours over three consecutive months, depending on semester dates. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern will be responsible for helping develop and implement Discovery Garden programs and Grab Go Show bags with a focus on fun educational content accessible to an early learning audience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Discovery Garden activities that encourage the exploration of nature and science through play for a young audience.
• Facilitate programs that cater to an early learning audience that share core conservation messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
• Create opportunities for a wide age range of children, including pre-kindergarten and school-aged children, to explore and learn about nature at the key engagement areas in the Aquarium.
• Develop Grab Go Show bags to compliment messaging at key engagement areas: Rays, Upland River, and Sharks.
• Conduct evaluation on the Discovery Garden programming offered to ensure educational goals are met.
• Work with staff to ensure guests’ needs are met with excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or recent graduate.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, and stand outdoors for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest in a career in environmental education and/or science communication.
• Have some experience working with an early learning or young audience.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be comfortable talking to guests and providing good customer service.

Position Requirements

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm, and until 6:00pm during the summer, which includes weekends and holidays.

Intern Learning Objectives

• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain programming and facilitation skills by overseeing the entire program planning process.
• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report of the experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that can be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Intern Schedule

The internship schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and work obligations.

Minimum Commitment Required

160 hours over a consecutive three-month period.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Equity, Community, and Learning Team Lead.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Main and South Buildings.

Application Requirements

A complete Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com  and copy KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please put "Guest Engagement Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant